| Sumario: | A study was conducted to examine factors affecting risk and resilience among youths living in urban poverty. Data were obtained from interviews with 153 youths in grades 6, 7, or 8 in three public housing developments in a western city. Findings revealed that, although there were four distinct clusters, each one demonstrating different levels of risk and protection, living in neighborhoods associated with high poverty produces an overarching layer of risk. Findings confirm that interpersonal, familial, and community protective factors can affect risk and that interpersonal relationships are particularly important in differentiating the clusters in the context of behavioral and academic outcomes. Findings suggest that interventions should focus on engaging youths in positive adult relationships to enhance autonomy, positive identity, and overall social skills.
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